KB003 is a humaneered monoclonal antibody targeted to GM-CSF, and it shares the same epitope (target) and pharmacokinetic properties with KB002, its chimeric (mouse) precursor. They are part of a major development program that collectively includes five Phase I and Phase II proof-of-principle clinical trials for inflammation-related diseases, including persistent asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Animal studies have suggested that the drug candidate also has potential in multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psoriasis, and other indications.
Tillman Pearce, chief medical officer of KaloBios, said: “We have treated our last patient in our Phase I/II rheumatoid arthritis trial, are making great progress with our Phase II persistent asthma trials, and have other confidential clinical trials underway. We can now leverage the data that we obtain from these KB002 studies to guide our KB003 multiple-dose trials.”